What to do in Arkansas

At first glance, Crater of Diamonds State Park looks like an average plowed field. Dig a little deeper and you may just go home with a diamond. Visit one of the world’s only public diamond mines in Murfreesboro, Arkansas. The area, which is the eroded surface of a volcanic crater, is the world’s eighth-largest diamond-bearing area.

Stroll through pine forests and see steaming water flowing from rocky sources in Hot Springs National Park. Dip your feet in a stream to feel the liquid’s mystical healing powers or fully immerse yourself at a luxurious bath house.

Beaver Lake dominates the landscape of northwest Arkansas, creating a playground for hikers, anglers, swimmers and campers. The 28,000 acres (11,300 hectares) of man-made lake was formed following the construction of the Beaver Lake in the early 1960s and is today the major water source for much of northern Arkansas. Surrounded by landscape that varies from dense forest to rolling meadows, Beaver Lake is a favorite destination for families, who come here to make the most of the amenities, more than 600 camping grounds and long, warm summers.

The magnificent Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville celebrates artists and artworks of national significance in its sleek and modern galleries. You’ll be treated to a masterpiece in contemporary architecture as you explore the museum complex. See American artworks ranging from colonial times to the modern day, wander around the sculpture garden or discover the museum’s surrounding nature trails.

Buffalo National River is a protected stretch of one of Arkansas’ most pristine waterways. Established a national river in 1972, the mighty Buffalo River tumbles un-dammed and undeveloped for 135 miles (217.3 kilometers) through mountains, waterfalls, plateaus and ancient pebble beaches. Canoe through mountain streams, hike alongside the river’s dramatic canyons, grab your fishing rod and work on your casting technique and unwind at a riverside resort or camping site.